Alina Oprea • 13 April, 2023 at 12:25 PM
EVconnect, one of the most extensive networks of electric vehicle charging stations in Romania, will exceed the threshold of 500 public electric charging stations available through the application to the owners of electric and plug-in hybrid cars by the end of 2023, following that by 2025 the network to include at least 3,000 electric car charging stations. Last year, 166,244 charging sessions were registered on the EVconnect network, totaling 2.37 Gwh, which represents a reduction in the CO2 footprint of 1,989 tonnes. More than 10,000 users have charged their cars consistently at 23,000 EVconnect users have.
The EVconnect network exceeded, in 2023, the threshold of 300 public charging stations.
The development of the charging infrastructure was carried out only from its own financing sources.
"One of the biggest challenges in operation to maintain the correct functioning of the stations is often given by the instability of the electrical networks, the constant voltage fluctuations and the outdated electrical network or insufficient power capacities, especially in the central urban areas", the company announced.
New charging stations will be inaugurated in 2023 to reach the threshold of 500 EVconnect public stations in Romania, both in the main cities and in transit or isolated areas, including:
- Bucharest: 20 new charging stations
- Cluj: 5 new charging stations
- Brașov: 8 new charging stations
- Constanta: 4 new charging stations
- Baia Mare: 9 new charging stations
EVconnect electric car charging stations are manufactured in Europe and have powers of up to 400 kW. The company has remote management of stations.
EVconnect sells, on the Romanian market, only electric charging stations manufactured in Europe. They have powers from 3.7 kW to 400 kW and can be used for private or public use. In addition to supplying power stations, the company offers services and training courses for easy operation and maintenance of charging solutions.
"Our mission is to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by increasing the accessibility of electric car charging. For this reason, our focus turned both to developing our own network, but also to providing charging equipment according to the specifications desired by the customer. In Romania, at least 39% of electricity is obtained from renewable sources. Thus, the emissions produced to power electric cars are minuscule even compared to the newest cars on the market with internal combustion engines. This is the reason why European countries are announcing plans to ban the sale of vehicles with internal combustion engines", said Mihai Dragoș Ciobanu, EVconnect CEO.
The network of electric car charging stations EVconnect was among the first networks in Romania, since 2014.
The stations in the EVconnect network are found in Bucharest, Cluj, Constanța, Iași, Brașov, Oradea, Alba Iulia, Tulcea, Arad, Timișoara, Botoșani, but also in Intorsura Buzăului, Gura Humorului, Campulung Moldovenesc, Ciucea, Colibița and in many other areas from the country.
EVconnect electric vehicle charging stations are located in shopping centers (Cora, AFI, Shopping City, Iulius Mall, Palas Mall, Veranda Mall, etc.), at car dealers (Dacia, Renault, Casa Auto, etc.), and in key locations in the big cities in Romania.
At a 50 kW charging station, most electric cars charge in 45-60 minutes. The company's target is to expand the network by installing 60 KW and more powerful stations, thus ensuring charging in the shortest possible time.
As for charging, in the EVconnect network, they are free where possible, and the costs will be covered together with partners. From 2014 until now, EVconnect has ensured free charging of over 5 GWh in its network, thus actively participating in the increase of interest in electromobility, today being one of the few operators that still supports free charging sessions.
There is also an AC tariff of €0.37 / charging unit. A charge unit is equivalent to a kWh. (minimum €1 / charging session);
The DC tariff is €0.46 / charging unit. A charge unit is equivalent to a kWh. (minimum €1/ charging session);
The price of a subscription to the EVconnect network is RON119 (€23.8) including VAT/month and includes 60 charging units (kWh) included. Standard rates will apply after the kWh quantity is used up.
A 7 KW charging station for the Dacia Spring has a cost under €1,000 including the cost of the connection, including the connection with the photovoltaic system, where applicable.
Two of the main advantages of the stations marketed by EVconnect are direct integration with photovoltaic systems and dynamic power control, thus maximizing investment in charging infrastructure.